History

The Douglas Horse Drawn Trams are the world's oldest surviving horse tram
service, dating back to 1876. The trams are fitted with roller
bearings to ease the load on the horses bred to pull them. The
trams link the 2 miles distance from the Manx Electric Railway and depot
at Derby Castle along
Douglas Promenade to the Sea Terminal and Port. The line was opened by
its creator, Thomas Lightfoot, a retired Sheffield civil engineer.

In 1882, Lightfoot sold the line to Isle of Man Tramways Ltd, which came
later to be known as Isle of Man Tramways & Electric Power Co Ltd. In
1902 the Douglas Corporation purchased the lines from its bankrupt owners.
The trams have been running ever since, only seeing brief breaks during
World War II, and are a popular form of transport for locals and tourist.

Travelling on the Horse Drawn Trams

The trams come along the road near the promenade. There are marked signs
with a horse and tram on them along the edge of the promenade. Stand near
one of these signs if you wish to catch the tram. The driver will be on the
look out for waiting passengers and stop.
If you are in doubt they will see you then just wave your arm out, like
like ones does for a bus. You can buy your ticket on the tram, though
residence cards can only be bought at the Derby Depot or Town Hall.
It is a fun way to get along the 2 mile
promenade and in the summer the trams are more frequent then the bus.

The horses are very friendly and do not mind a gentle pat. They are
use to the traffic around them and prove very noble beasts. For
those interested in the horses. There is a Rest Home for Old Horses
open to the public.